A Typical Chinese Hokkien-Style Tomb Part 1

The Chinese in general, gave plenty of paramount importance to the burial customs of their ancestors. It is a popular belief that, the remains of the ancestors have a direct linkage to the living descendants. A good burial would thus reflect greatly on the opulence of the living descendants. Therefore a proper burial, with good feng shui, good flow of Qi, is very significant to a traditional Chinese tomb.
 

The image above is a Hokkien style tomb that is commonly found, is known as an omega-shaped tomb stone. It has a headstone in the center flanked with shoulders. The name, age, village and dynasty of the deceased are inscribed in the centre headstone. Names of descendents are usually found on both shoulders. Behind is a hump where the coffin rests, feet at the headstone. There are many reasons behind the omega shape.

From the popular phrase, from womb to tomb- the deceased is buried within the warmth of their mother’s womb that promises perpetual protection.

Turtle back tombstones, where the hump has a design of a turtle shell. And the headstone protrudes out like the head of a turtle. To the Chinese, the turtle signifies longevity because of its prolonged existence; hence the deceased is buried in like a turtle to bring longevity to the living descendents.

The hump behind, is signified as a mountain to protect the deceased from negative energies, and to also allow the continual flow of Qi energy in the specific burial plot.